Following the "Accelerating Innovation in the Bioscience Revolution" retreat in Lake Tahoe, an Advisory Committee has been formed to push forward the many valuable ideas presented at the retreat. These include developing more specific medical research policy recommendations and exploring collaboration opportunities. This committee includes leaders from the pharmaceutical, biotech, regulatory, funding, biomedical research and patient advocacy communities.

This planning meeting brings together members of the Advisory Board for the "Celebration of Science," a series of events to take place September 7—9. This effort aims to elevate bioscience research to its deserved position as a top national priority and encourage both public and private commitments to supporting this crucial work. Advisory board members include leaders in the field from government, academia, patient groups and the private sector.

This annual charity event benefits FasterCures, the Milken Institute's Center for Accelerating Medical Solutions. Think of it as a Goodwill Games for gourmands, a World Cup for foodies. Team up with celebrities and compete against leaders in business, entertainment and government during a fun-filled evening of great food and wine, all while lending your support to a vitally important cause. For more information, visit www.globalgourmetgames.org.

A special private gathering with a group of prominent families to discuss some of the most important issues facing them today — from how to seize financial opportunities while navigating turbulent markets to understanding some of the unique complexities involved with the acquisition and transfer of wealth. This interactive discussion offers a select group of influential individuals, families and philanthropists firsthand information during an off-the-record roundtable discussion. This program will include valuable insights from financial executives and thought leaders who will highlight the economic, investment and philanthropic trends affecting families, and offer their views on where global markets are headed.

Speaker:
Kenneth Rogoff, Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Public Policy, Economics Department, Harvard University

Interviewer:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Kenneth Rogoff, Harvard economist and co-author of the best-selling "This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly," joins Milken Institute Chairman Mike Milken for a private lunch dialogue on markets and the global economy. Among other recurrent myths they're sure to explore (and explode) are the ideas that sovereign debt is risk-free and that real estate prices always rise. They'll drill down on specifics of current concerns about instability in the Middle East, the rise of frontier economies as the BRICs lose their luster, the outlook for the euro zone and the prospects for resolution of gridlock in Washington. And they'll consider the positive impact of such trends as the rising middle class in developing nations, new energy supplies, rising productivity and accelerating technology advances.

Moderator:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

Moderator:
Nicholas Sandler, Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners

The Global Capital Markets Advisory Council (GCMAC) is made up of senior leadership of large funds from around the globe with the financial and human capital to shape trends and markets. Together these influential investors represent more than $18 trillion in assets under management. On Sunday afternoon, this group will convene for a special off-the-record meeting with leading CEOs from global companies. These executives will share their views on economic, investment and policy trends and offer their perspective on the future of their industries. This session promises a unique and insightful look at where the global economy is headed.

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

The Black Capital Access Forum convenes the nation's leading African-American investment professionals and entrepreneurs to share information and best practices, expand access to traditional and nontraditional capital sources, and increase business ownership. By facilitating valuable relationships, developing opportunities, and building wealth and influence, the group aims to enhance prosperity in communities of color across America through investment, philanthropy and mentorship.

Introduction By:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Moderator:
Mindy Silverstein, Managing Director, Marketing and Program Development, Milken Institute

We've all seen the statistics showing that small businesses create the largest number of new jobs, but these are the very enterprises that financial institutions tend to ignore. And female business owners experience even greater difficulty accessing the capital and resources required to grow their companies. Women currently own 8.1 million businesses, employ 7.7 million people and contribute $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy - and with better access to capital, they can play a much greater role in our economic recovery. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will join investors, business owners, elected officials and innovators for this invitation-only conversation about the challenges facing female entrepreneurs and strategies for unleashing the growth potential of women-owned businesses.

Speaker:
David Krone, Chief of Staff, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Interviewer:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

Moderator:
Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC

Global Conference 2012 kicks off by exploring the question facing policymakers across the United States and around the developed world: Has the emphasis on debt reduction put a wet blanket on recovery? Now that we can shift the focus away from crisis management, job creation is the central challenge. What investments and policy moves are needed now? If Europe descends into recession, will the effects reverberate around the globe, or has there been sufficient decoupling? Will Asia be the engine of growth, or will structural challenges slow the development of emerging economies? What sectors and geographies will define the future and revive economic growth?

Moderator:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Never has the promise of medical science appeared greater. A new era of personalized medicine seems to be at hand, promising longevity and improved quality of life. But realizing it is proving to be tougher and taking longer than expected. Progress has bogged down in the face of financing, regulatory and structural hurdles. With lives hanging in the balance, how can we create a more vibrant innovation ecosystem to shake up the status quo in medical science? What innovative models already exist in different disease research areas? How do we overcome a culture of risk aversion? How does the business model need to change? How can we direct more resources into prevention and early diagnosis rather than treating disease after the fact? This panel will discuss what it takes to push ideas forward and make change happen.

Moderator:
Lewis Feldman, Partner and Los Angeles Chair, Goodwin Procter LLP

U.S. real estate markets seem to be recovering, but there are significant differences in performance across asset classes and geographies. How are participants positioning themselves, and who is providing the financing? Where are the best opportunities: commercial, retail, industrial, multi-family, hospitality or other sub-sectors? Retail sales are showing surprising strength, office vacancy rates are inching downward, apartment rental rates are rising and hotels have more occupants. Is debt or equity financing the way to engage? Is the capital coming from private equity, hedge funds, pension funds, life insurers or REITS? What new opportunities are markets overlooking from repositioning existing assets to financing new projects? How does this performance compare internationally?

Moderator:
Bradley Belt, Senior Managing Director, Milken Institute

Pundits and policymakers on the left say that the rich don't pay their fair share. Those on the right say that half of American households don't pay any federal income taxes, and that's not fair. With attention focused on the 1 percent vs. 99 percent divide and changing patterns of income and tax distribution, how do we decide what constitutes a "fair" allocation of the costs of government? Is there any way to strike a reasonable compromise?

The American people, policymakers, educators and parents agree that students in our K-12 public schools deserve and must have better. Everyone - superintendents, administrators, teachers, principals, union officials and elected legislators - is expected to start delivering results. The federal government, through competitive grants and NCLB waivers, for example, is attempting to drive reform. However, it has become apparent that states and districts are the key drivers of change. Many are leading reform efforts while having to tackle outdated policies. What's the right balance between accountability and flexibility in driving effective education system reform policies? How should states set appropriate requirements without stifling district flexibility and problem solving? What policies should be pursued to attract, develop, motivate and retain talent within the teaching profession? What role should charter schools, virtual education, common core state standards and other initiatives play?

Moderator:
Robert Harteveldt, Global Co-Head of Fixed Income and Global Head of Fixed Income Origination, Jefferies & Co. Inc.

On the buy side, cash is accumulating on corporate balance sheets, private equity funds have capital to invest and banks are stronger. On the sell side, many ripened venture-backed startups are largely shut out of the IPO market, while financially sponsored leveraged acquisitions from past cohorts seek exits. Deal premiums for publicly traded companies are rising. Will the movement toward recovery in the M&A market continue throughout 2012? What will happen if liquidity does not continue to expand? How will deal volume be affected by macroeconomic and industrial trends in the U.S., Asia, Latin America and elsewhere in the world?

Moderator:
Andrew K. Morse, Deputy Bureau Chief, Wall Street Journal

India's once white-hot economy is slowing, although its growth rate is still the envy of developed nations. Cognizant of a growing budget deficit, the government is taking steps to address the effects of the slowdown. India recently announced moves to raise taxes and slow growth in overall spending while increasing investment in infrastructure. Will those measures succeed in spurring the economy? What are the prospects for pending proposals to allow greater foreign investment in certain industries? Can India successfully address its energy and infrastructure challenges, and weed out corruption? Is the current trajectory of growth enough to lift millions more out of poverty?

Moderator:
Conrad Kiechel, Director of Communications, Milken Institute

Natural resources - from shale natural gas and oil sands to uranium and silver - are abundant in North America. These huge reserves have the potential to transform global commodities markets and contribute to the region's energy security. Increased production of energy and minerals could turn the U.S. and Canada into leading suppliers to China and other emerging markets. How can the U.S. and Canada encourage development of these natural resources? What policies are needed to open up access and allow industry to make long-term investments? What commitment should the industry make to the integrity and safety of their operations, and how can they be held accountable?

Moderator:
Willow Bay, Special Correspondent, Bloomberg Television; Senior Editor, Huffington Post

Water scarcity is poised to become the next explosive issue of our time. It's the world's most essential - and most threatened - finite resource. From the American Southwest to sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East, people are working to find solutions and forge compromises to ensure that water continues to flow. This timely conversation will examine opportunities for investment and the role of nonprofits and corporations in heading off a crisis, with the latest updates from experts in the field. Everything is fair game in this critical, solutions-oriented panel, including new technologies for storage, treatment and efficiency; aging infrastructure; the increasing demand for recycled water; and the impact of climate change and population growth.

Moderator:
Stephen Rimmer, CEO, Guggenheim Aviation Partners; Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners

The last 18 months have brought forth the largest aircraft orders in both the commercial and business aviation markets in history. Driven largely by the demands of customers, new aircraft platforms (including the Airbus A350, Boeing's 787 and Bombardier's C Series in the commercial market, and Bombardier's new Global family, Learjet 85 and Gulfstream's G650 in the business market) have begun to introduce major improvements in cabin comfort, speed and efficiency. This panel will explore how manufacturers respond to the evolving needs of their customers in an environment that requires investments of billions of dollars to develop new technologies and where there is a growing reliance on a supply chain that continues to spread across the globe. What most influences aircraft development: the market, technology or access to capital?

Moderator:
Cecilia Arradaza, Director, Communications and Marketing, FasterCures

Mobile technologies and social media are changing the world in many ways, but to what extent are they being used to improve health? There will be 1.4 billion people with smartphones worldwide by 2015, and 500 million of them will be using mobile health applications. From fitness games on the Wii or Xbox Kinect to diabetes monitoring devices that upload data through your iPhone to a "blue button" that allows you to download a copy of your medical records - the tools are coming fast and furious. What will the future of mobile and networked health look like? Are you concerned about having your personal health information in the cloud? What could we do with all the data being generated if we put it all together?

Interviewer:
Angella Nazarian, Author, "Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World"

Angella Nazarian, author of "Pioneers of the Possible," sits down for an intimate conversation with three groundbreaking women entrepreneurs. Together they will examine the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, including the challenges women continue to face in the business world.

Moderator:
Tony Perkins, CEO and Editor, AlwaysOn

Silicon Valley is the birthplace of entrepreneurial venture capital and for decades has been the epicenter for innovation and disruptive technologies that have created millions of jobs and changed how the world lives. Increasingly, however, Silicon Valley has become more than simply a geographic location. It's now a state of mind that has gone viral worldwide from Austin to Boston, Chicago to Sao Paulo, and Shanghai to Mumbai and Dubai. Just as access to capital in the United States greatly expanded three decades ago, driving strong economic growth, we're now seeing new technologies and financial instruments being married to new marketplaces.

Speaker:
Angella Nazarian, Author, "Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World"

Moderator:
James McCaughan, CEO, Principal Global Investors

After the Soviet Union collapsed and China scrapped socialism, the triumph of free-market capitalism seemed assured. But a host of global trends - from greater financial market instability and rising income inequality to uncontained climate change - are challenging the established wisdom that capitalism is self-sustaining. Meanwhile convergence between mature industrial economies and rapidly growing emerging economies may well diffuse global power in ways that make it more difficult to manage systemic risks. This panel will discuss capitalism's prospects and consider policies that would preserve the efficiency-enhancing benefits of free markets while moderating the risk of self-destruction.

Moderator:
Mark Cutis, Chief Investment Officer, Special Situations, Abu Dhabi Investment Council

While emerging economies are growing at more than double the rate of the developed world, markets in these countries declined last year as central banks began to raise interest rates. Now all four BRIC countries have eased monetary policy, along with Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Chile. With the ECB dramatically increasing liquidity and optimism on the rise, risk appetites have increased in both emerging and frontier markets. This panel will examine the investment climate, ease of doing business, and macroeconomic and financial stability in an array of countries. It will also analyze emerging market geographies, industrial composition, commodity price impacts and other indicators. Will China face recession? How will it manage the bad debt lurking in its banking system? Will India be able to tame inflation and corruption costs to foreign investors? What will be the impact on Brazil and Russia if commodity prices fall?

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

How will boomers reinvent themselves - and upend the very concept of retirement - in their next stage of life? In this session, we're joined by an exceptional group of second-act success stories. Each of our panelists was accomplished and visible in his or her principal career, and each is now engaged in a whole new chapter of fulfilling and high-impact work driven by a passion to do good. Through their personal narratives, our panelists are spreading the message that helping others as we age is the ultimate encore career opportunity.

Speaker:
Frank Luntz, CEO, Luntz Global; Contributor, Fox News

In a hyper-speed world where news can be made in 140 characters or less, it's never been more important to choose your words wisely. A well-crafted message can make all the difference between being a winner or a loser in the marketplace and the national debate. Political pollster and best-selling author Frank Luntz has his finger on the pulse of public opinion, and he's a master at using language to command the right reaction. In this session, he'll share strategies for mastering the art and science of effective communication.

Moderator:
Komal Sri-Kumar , Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Group Managing Director and Chief Global Strategist, TCW Group Inc.

Global patterns of trade are being fundamentally redrawn: Not only are U.S. energy imports declining, but China just posted its biggest trade deficit in 22 years. New trading partnerships are being formed between powerhouses like China and Brazil; Canada is negotiating a potential free-trade agreement with Europe; and emerging economies from across Asia are becoming major exporters. Although many nations are looking to exports as a driver of growth, world trade flows for most major economies have slowed in recent quarters, and the OECD recently cut its forecast for 2012 trade growth by almost half. How will a European slowdown affect world trade? What are the implications of Russia joining the WTO? As nations compete for market share, what are the new relationships - and rivalries - that will define the future?

Moderator:
Ross DeVol, Chief Research Officer, Milken Institute

Sustainable, long-term economic growth requires a high-quality labor pool. Along with a robust technology infrastructure and strategic partnerships among businesses, universities and government, a well-educated workforce is a critical ingredient for driving innovation. Part of maintaining a competitive labor pool is not only educating top students for the most demanding and highly specialized jobs, but also providing further education and training to less skilled workers. This panel will discuss strategies and investments to increase the quality of the overall workforce by expanding educational attainment. Which skills are essential for workers in the 21st century? How will they be developed? Which areas have the greatest demand for such skills?

Moderator:
Shawn Amos, Founder and Managing Partner, Amos Content Group

They've been dubbed social entrepreneurs, venture philanthropists and impact investors. Call them what you will, but there's a new brand of highly engaged philanthropy that's shaking up traditional notions of what constitutes effective giving and how to achieve social change. Should the world of philanthropy continue to borrow business models from the private sector? How can social media engage consumers or donors in the process of creating social change? The dynamic leaders on this panel are making a splash by employing revolutionary methods to raise awareness and millions of dollars for some of the most critical problems facing the world today - issues of social justice, poverty, hunger, access to education, obesity, disease, diet, bullying and more. Join us for a conversation with the innovators that are shaking up this space and tackling the world's problems in new and dynamic ways.

Moderator:
Damien Loveday, Global Head of Hedge Fund Research, Towers Watson

Last year was a challenging one for hedge funds - and funds of hedge funds endured more than their fair share of the scrutiny. Assets at funds of hedge funds have fallen precipitously since the financial crisis began in 2008 due primarily to performance and structural issues, redemptions and fee compression. What do these recent trends mean for funds of hedge funds going forward? Will these investment vehicles continue to maintain a relevant place in the asset allocation plans for investors? This panel will examine the industry's future and the reasons behind the recent consolidation. The factors at play include fee pressures, increased customization, direct investing, greater demand for managed accounts, transparency and the ability to better manage liquidity. As a result, new business models are emerging. How are some of the largest funds of hedge funds in the world dealing with the evolving landscape and macro trends?

Speaker:
Peter Chiarelli, CEO, One Mind for Research; General (Ret.) and former Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army

Interviewer:
Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC

Even after our soldiers return home, many of them remain in harm's way. More than 300,000 U.S. soldiers and veterans are struggling with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. Gen. Peter Chiarelli has been a tireless advocate for eliminating the stigma associated with service members and veterans, getting them the help they need to treat the invisible wounds of war. As the new CEO of One Mind for Research, he is now leading an effort to bring together health-care providers, researchers, academics and the health-care industry - on a global scale - to cure brain disorders. In this role, Chiarelli is determined to forge unprecedented collaboration and alignment among global stakeholders in brain research through public-private partnerships. He will sit down for a conversation with CNBC's Maria Bartiromo to talk about his new mission at One Mind for Research - and about what the business community can do to ensure that veterans receive the support they need to reintegrate into their families and the workforce.

Moderator:
Melissa Stevens, Deputy Executive Director, FasterCures / The Center for Accelerating Medical Solutions

Translational research - the point at which general scientific knowledge starts to be applied to addressing a specific disease or condition - is the first step on the path to developing a new drug. But traditional investors in translational research (large- and medium-cap biopharmaceutical companies and life science-focused venture capital funds) are becoming increasingly risk averse in the face of escalating challenges in the drug development process. FasterCures recently hosted a Financial Innovations Lab to examine business models and financial instruments that can improve the risk/return ratio for early-stage investors. In this session you'll hear from experts who have designed and implemented new models like leveraged funds, research-based obligations and collaborative funding. If we can find a way to close the funding gap for translational research, we can get one step closer to urgently needed treatments.

This interactive lunch discussion will focus on innovative K-12 education programs and trends. Business and philanthropic leaders are welcome to provide input on solutions in this invitation-only dialogue with some of America's leading educators and government officials.

Moderator:
Michael Klowden, President and CEO, Milken Institute

It's famously been said that there are known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns. That pretty much sums up the prevailing convoluted views regarding current conditions, but our annual big-picture look at the global economy will provide some much-needed clarity. This panel will examine the latest macroeconomic trends around the world, including U.S. recovery and Europe's slowdown, and attempt to make sense of the world's new balance of economic power. Which emerging markets will be able to sustain growth over the long term - and which might be headed for turbulence? We'll also examine geopolitical risk in the Middle East and beyond, plus the effects of spiking oil prices. Crucial elections are coming up in many of the world's largest nations; what potential changes in leadership could have the greatest impact? What are the opportunities and trends that most observers have yet to spot?

Moderator:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Just 10 percent of the world's population lives in the U.S. and Western Europe, but these areas account for 60 percent of private consumption spending. South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, with one-third of the people on the planet, drive only 3.2 percent of consumption spending. As many as 2.8 billion people struggle to survive on less than $2 a day. Much of the developing world lacks access to banking services and credit, effectively cutting them off from the flow of global commerce. Changing this equation is not just a matter of altruism: It's an unprecedented opportunity, since developing countries also have the greatest potential to expand the ranks of consumers. This panel will examine the impact we could achieve by promoting greater global access to capital to open up new markets, add new customers, create jobs and improve standards of living.

Moderator:
Francesco Guerrera, Editor, Money & Investing, Wall Street Journal

Dramatic economic growth in the developing world has transformed the market for everything from corn to oil to copper. Prices for commodities have skyrocketed, boosting exports for resource-rich nations like Russia, Canada and Australia. China has been investing heavily in Africa and Brazil to access the resources needed for its huge manufacturing sector and rising consumer demand. Is this boom permanent, and if so, how should companies and investors adjust? What are the downsides for resource-dependent countries? Will rising prices create food insecurity in developing nations? Should the world be concerned by China's acquisition of rare earth metals?

Moderator:
Dottie Mattison, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners

It's not so easy to get a handle on the U.S. consumer anymore. Sure, the iPad 3 is flying off the shelves, and riots actually broke among shoppers clamoring for retro-style Air Jordans. But millions of newly frugal consumers use digital tools to comparison shop, refusing to bite on purchases until prices are slashed to the bone. Can discount and mid-level stores withstand the pressure on their margins? Will growth be driven by luxury brands? Which big names will fade away from the retail landscape, and which ones are poised for blockbuster growth? Did middle-class consumers really become more disciplined and minimalist during the recession, or do they feel entitled to reward themselves with travel, escapism and luxuries? Are they back to relying on credit cards, or are they still preoccupied with paying down old debt? How are higher gas prices changing the equation?

Moderator:
Zachary Karabell, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; President, River Twice Research

The U.S. economy still needs to generate more jobs to put the young, old and everyone in between back to work. What strategies do policymakers need to pursue? Should the U.S. become more like Texas in streamlining regulations for business? What can be done to improve access to capital for small businesses, which are historically an engine of job creation? Should more aggressive policies such as a temporary federal retraining wage supplement be provided to employers that retrain workers? Should reauthorization of the highway bill be expedited to fix infrastructure and employ construction workers? Should a lower corporate tax rate be provided to manufacturing firms? Should the U.S. do more to bolster exports? Should we expand foreign talent, investor and entrepreneur recruitment? What other ideas might jumpstart job creation?

Moderator:
Bradley Belt, Senior Managing Director, Milken Institute

Pension deficits are at record levels. Public-sector pension issues, in particular, are highly politicized and threaten governments with insolvency. Meanwhile, most households have insufficient savings to be able to retire. Are these problems insurmountable? As it turns out, there are examples of plan sponsors coming to grips with their funding challenges. And the private sector is developing new products and services designed to take some of the risk and uncertainty out of saving and retirement spending. This panel will highlight lessons from the front lines in both the public and private sectors.

Moderator:
Jeffrey Gedmin, President and CEO, Legatum Institute

Reaping the benefits of high oil prices, Russia's economy has been enjoying steady growth. But its political scene has grown decidedly more volatile, with protestors taking to the streets after the last round of elections. With Vladimir Putin continuing his hold on power, is there any hope that the country's persistent corruption problem can be weeded out? Now that Russia has joined the WTO, can the economy diversify away from its dependence on natural resources? Is Russia headed for a confrontation with the West over Iran and Syria? What do investors need to know about the risks and rewards of investing in Russia?

Moderator:
Margaret Anderson, Executive Director, FasterCures / The Center for Accelerating Medical Solutions

Emerging and frontier nations represent huge untapped markets. Given how quickly these economies are growing and the size of the potential consumer base, the right innovations have the potential to deliver huge returns and exponential industry growth, especially in the areas of energy, agriculture and health. Envision the possibilities if emerging nations adopt renewable transportation fuels on a broad scale, or if businesses in growing megacities finally have reliable and affordable electricity. Look at what mobile technology is already doing for communications, health, banking and commerce in remote areas, and imagine what its continued evolution could bring. Visualize the societal benefits and productivity gains that emerging markets could achieve with breakthroughs in malaria and TB diagnosis and treatment. Picture innovations in agriculture that double crop yields to feed growing populations. This panel will look at specific market and investment opportunities in the emerging world - as well as the exciting possibilities for new technologies to improve millions of lives.

Moderator:
Sharon Begley, Senior Health & Science Correspondent, Reuters

The obesity epidemic is taking a huge toll in the United States, but it's not a uniquely American problem. From industrialized nations like Great Britain and Germany to emerging economies like Egypt, Mexico and China, populations are growing steadily more overweight. This dangerous trend has serious implications for public health, productivity, human capital formation and economic development. What are the factors driving these numbers? Which nations seem able to maintain healthier populations, and why? What role has the global food industry played in this trend - and can it be part of the solution? What can employers do? How can government and business offer smart, supportive interventions without creating an intrusive nanny state? Can NGOs, foundations, educators and faith-based organizations do more? Is it possible to design a global prevention strategy?

Moderator:
Skip Rimer, Executive Director, Programs and Communications, Milken Institute

What passes for political discourse on the campaign trail and the Sunday talk shows is increasingly disconnected from the issues that are top of mind for most Americans. Do voters really want to focus so heavily on social controversies rather than pocketbook issues? Is the electorate actually as conservative as the media portrays? Why do politicians so often ignore views held by the majority - and how do they get away with it? Is the GOP on a collision course with the demographic changes that are remaking America? Why did the Occupy movement resonate so deeply? In the past, voters have said they want change, but they've continued to return their incumbent representatives to Congress; will this be the year that they really vote the bums out? This panel of experts will take an in-depth look at what polling numbers reveal about what Americans truly want.

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

This private meeting will focus on new investment opportunities and mechanisms to increase access to capital for small business creation and broad community development. Panelists and participants will discuss new industries, sectors and products, as well as the best way to leverage public funding to attract private capital and scale up solutions. A small group of investors and industry experts will discuss trends in community development financing products and the most innovative industries (real estate, education, health, energy) that can drive this funding.

Speaker:
Walter Isaacson, President and CEO, Aspen Institute

Moderator:
Steve LeBlanc, Senior Managing Director of External Private Markets, Teacher Retirement System of Texas

When major funds make a move, the markets sit up and take notice. This panel offers the chance to hear directly from some of the world's most influential investors about their outlook for the markets and the broader economy going forward. Are they feeling upbeat or cautious? Which sectors and regions are capturing their focus - and which ones are they avoiding? What are their current asset allocation strategies? How are they hedging against risk? How are fiscal and regulatory issues affecting their investment decisions?

Speaker:
Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Interviewer:
Walter Isaacson, President and CEO, Aspen Institute

Beyond the Beltway, few people ponder the international scene more deeply than Richard Haass and Walter Isaacson. Ambassador Haass, who served in both Bush administrations, has been at the heart of high-level decision-making about U.S. involvement in the Middle East. He recounted his impressions in "War of Necessity, War of Choice," one of 11 books he has written or edited on U.S. foreign policy. Isaacson ran two of the most trusted news organizations in the nation as chairman and CEO of CNN and managing editor of Time magazine. More recently, he was chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and other international broadcasts that bring U.S. viewpoints to the rest of the world. Drawing on decades of experience, they will sit down for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation about how the rest of the world perceives the United States. Do other nations still look to us for innovation and culture? Are we a source of stability and leadership? How has our standing changed after the Iraq War and the financial crisis? Does the current dysfunction in Washington undermine our ability to promote democracy around the world? What kind of influence will the United States wield on the world stage in the decades ahead?

Moderator:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

There's never been a more challenging moment to be at the helm of a large corporation. But leadership matters when disruptive change is sweeping through your industry and competition is fierce. How do you articulate a vision that will marshal the commitment you need? What goes into creating a culture that nurtures innovation and excellence? How do you step out of the constant stream of e-mail, data and other distractions to focus on the big picture and the challenges that are truly mission critical? This panel of CEOs will share insights about how to unify and manage complex, multinational operations; how to communicate effectively with employees, customers and investors; and how to inspire companies to achieve greatness.

Moderator:
Adam Sokoloff, Global Head of Financial Sponsors Group, Jefferies & Co. Inc.

Blockbuster deals from the biggest PE firms may grab all the press, but most of the industry's activity is actually concentrated in the mid-market space. What are the major challenges facing private equity firms in the near future? Will they have to deal with increased competition for quality assets or difficult fundraising? Now that Dodd-Frank has forced many firms to register with the SEC, how will regulatory oversight change the industry going forward? What kind of activity will we see in the consumer sector, health care and high tech? Are the best opportunities found in emerging markets?

Moderator:
Howard Soule, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Chief Science Officer, Prostate Cancer Foundation

Making it to 100 years old is no longer just a pipe dream; people are living longer now than ever before. What is the roadmap necessary to not only live longer but to also do so in good health, mind and spirit? Does it really boil down to diet and exercise? Yoga and meditation? Limiting the stress in our lives? We'll explore all the latest research on aging, medical advances to keep us younger and the day-to-day strategies you can start implementing right away to help you live longer.

Moderator:
Lewis Feldman, Partner and Los Angeles Chair, Goodwin Procter LLP

The Real Estate Lightning Round assembles leaders in the sector to share their thoughts on the markets, opportunities and the year ahead. Lightning Round participants will give their takes on a range of topics, including the strength of the capital markets, the future of single- and multi-family housing, commercial development, and REIT structuring.

Moderator:
Jan Boyer, Managing Director, SOFRA; former Executive Board Member, Inter-American Development Bank

As Brazil continues its rise into the ranks of the world's largest economies, it has drawn not only investors but also corporations eager to tap into the increased spending of a growing middle class. But Brazil has hit some speed bumps in recent months, with slowing growth, rising inflation and currency/trade spats with Europe and the U.S. Are these temporary setbacks or signs of more serious structural challenges? Will Brazil's sheer size and wealth of natural resources carry the future? What are the hurdles that still have to be overcome? And how can outside investors penetrate the regulatory and tariff barriers to take part in the country's growth trends?

Moderator:
Linda Rottenberg, CEO and Co-Founder, Endeavor

Entrepreneurs fuel innovation and job creation - and their impact is magnified in emerging nations, where new businesses can launch transformational change, creating opportunity where none may have existed before. Nimble startups are able to deliver products and services to previously underserved populations, connecting them with the global economy. But emerging market entrepreneurs face considerable barriers to entry: limited access to capital, few role models and a lack of management expertise. How can investors in the developed world help to broaden prosperity and tap into the intriguing growth opportunities these firms represent? What kind of mechanisms do we need to connect these startups with financing? This panel will highlight the experiences of dynamic entrepreneurs from around the world and find solutions that will pave the way for similar success stories.

Moderator:
Mitch Jacobs, Co-Chairman, 1 in 3 Leadership Council, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Technology advances are transforming most sectors of the economy, but providers of credit have not yet fully harnessed the full power of what technology can do to aid with risk management, especially when it comes to higher-risk consumer and small business credit markets. That might be about to change, as a handful of venture-backed companies have developed powerful new tools that can provide major advancements in how credit-worthiness and risk are assessed. Responsible innovation in credit is vital to a healthy U.S. financial system, but these firms face major challenges in moving from the startup to the growth phase and achieving wider adoption of these tools. This panel will evaluate the opportunities presented by advancements in technology as well as the political, financial and systemic obstacles to innovation.

Moderator:
Thomas Boysen, Education Consultant

Information technology is either nibbling around the edges or transforming the core of American education, depending on the source of your information. Are multimedia content, online learning, mobile computing, social networking and digital games really making a difference in student performance and global competitiveness? Or is this a case of old wine in new bottles? Is the tech fluency of high school graduates making them college- and career-ready, or just socially hip? Is the digital divide between have and have not families and schools getting smaller or larger? Which federal and state policies have assisted impactful education technology, and which have not? How does meaningful research ever catch up with the rapid evolution of information in time to support good decision-making? What can businesses do to make a positive difference and a reasonable profit?

Moderator:
Martha Amram, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; CEO and Founder, WattzOn

Rising energy costs are putting more stress on consumers, and, in the tail of the Great Recession, beleaguered cities want to catalyze economic growth. Saving energy is a win-win strategy. Investments in energy efficiency and clean technology lower energy bills for residents and small businesses, leading to more spending in the local economy and more jobs in the green construction and local retail sectors. With cities clamoring for tools for economic development, this panel explores strategies for encouraging and expediting energy-saving programs and investments. Panelists will also address how economically challenged areas are achieving this agenda through bank investments via the Community Reinvestment Act.

Speaker:
Frank Luntz, CEO, Luntz Global; Contributor, Fox News

Speaker:
George Lucas, Filmmaker; Chairman of the Board, Lucasfilm Ltd.

Interviewer:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Join us as we toast old friends and new at a reception for friends of the Milken Institute Israel Center.

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

A select group of institutional investors, philanthropists and representatives from public and private foundations will come together for a lively discussion with innovators and thought leaders in the impact investing sector. This is a unique opportunity to explore the issues surrounding social finance with the people who can turn ideas into action. The dinner conversation will focus on how capital can be deployed in the most effective and efficient way to ensure a lasting social impact.

Interviewer:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

One of them made his fortune deep in the Amazon jungle. The other struck it rich in the oil and natural gas fields of North America. They come from vastly different worlds, but they have a lot in common - starting with strong opinions about the world's energy future and a willingness to shoot from the hip. Don't miss Eike Batista and T. Boone Pickens appearing together in what promises to be one of the highlights of this year's Global Conference. They'll take the stage to talk about. . .whatever the heck they want. Expect a memorable 75 minutes that could touch on anything from alternative energy, the price of oil and logistics to powerboat racing and which continent's brand of football is king.

They've both created smash-hit albums, won shelves full of Grammys and enjoyed the honor of having their music take center stage at the Olympic Games. Legendary performer Lionel Richie and producer/songwriter extraordinaire David Foster will reflect on their careers, their music and their latest projects. Best of all, these two longtime collaborators will deliver a memorable live performance of classic favorites and new hits, including selections from Lionel's brand-new #1 album, "Tuskegee." Don't miss what promises to be a highlight of Global Conference 2012.

Speaker:
Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health

Members of the Milken Institute Associates are invited to a private breakfast with Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health. With a budget of $30 billion, the NIH is the world's largest source of funding for medical research — and a major driver behind some of the most exciting developments in science today. A renowned physician-geneticist, Dr. Collins defied expectations by completing the international Human Genome Project ahead of schedule and under budget, delivering the finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book in April 2003. This session promises a fascinating look at the frontiers of medicine with one of America's most brilliant researchers — who also happens to be one of the most engaging communicators in science.

Moderator:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

The Chinese economy is outgrowing its current financial system, which is dominated by state-owned banks. The country's equity market is volatile and still immature, while the corporate bond market remains underdeveloped. Private small businesses need access to capital, and the difficulty of obtaining credit, together with restrictions on bank interest rates, has led to a booming informal market with higher returns. The development of a Chinese high-yield bond market is urgently needed to fuel sustainable economic growth in the private sector, which is the engine behind China's economic miracle. How will this market contribute to enhancing access to capital for Chinese firms? What policy changes need to be made to facilitate the issuance of high-yield bonds? This session brings together business leaders and aims at providing solutions and strategies for the development of the Chinese high-yield market.

Speaker:
Eric Cantor, U.S. Congressman and House Majority Leader

Moderator:
Bradley Belt, Senior Managing Director, Milken Institute

Moderator:
Steven Zecher, Project Director, Regional Development and Project Finance, Milken Institute Israel Center

The world's economic center of gravity is shifting from the developed to the developing world. Demographic trends and increased productivity add up to great potential for growth in emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the former Soviet bloc. Significant capital is needed to support entrepreneurs, job formation, technology deployment, and new systems for delivery and expansion. This type of international development is facilitated in part by a network of multilateral development finance agencies. They can deploy a broad range of tools and programs, including wholesale and retail loans, equity support, insurance and guarantees. What are the most effective mechanisms to engage the public and private sectors in driving this growth story forward? This breakfast will bring together experts in development finance to discuss the most effective models for collaboration between governments, corporations and emerging market stakeholders to scale up economic growth.

Moderator:
Ross DeVol, Chief Research Officer, Milken Institute

Recent news on the U.S. economy has been more upbeat despite weakness in the euro zone and a slowdown in the BRICs and other emerging economies. Growth in U.S. real GDP finally hit 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, and job creation has exceeded the critical 200,000 per month mark. Consumers are purchasing cars again, and businesses are funneling profits back into investment for efficiency gains and expansion. But does the recovery really have legs? Many downside risks remain, including gas prices, a housing market that continues to sputter, and ongoing declines in state and local employment. Will policy uncertainty from Washington restrict investment and risk-taking by businesses? Can Washington reach a compromise on taxes and spending that will reduce the medium-term deficit but not bite too hard in the near term? Will faltering economic growth outside the U.S. harm export growth? Will the Fed implement a QE3 strategy? This panel will offer a big-picture look at where the U.S. is headed.

Moderator:
Timothy O'Hara, Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Securities, Credit Suisse

What are the forces driving change across the financial landscape? This panel of prominent industry leaders will explore several critical issues at work globally. They'll look at clearing, settlement and central counterparties; how to address new "too big to fail" questions; and the financial business model in a perpetual zero interest rate environment. The panel will also discuss the financial industry's own evolution, including how competition is changing as the traditional roles of bank, broker-dealer, investor and exchange blur and merge.

Moderator:
Richard Merkin, CEO and Founder, Heritage Provider Network; Board Member, FasterCures

Improving the efficiency and quality of our health-care delivery system is vital to improving treatment outcomes, and it's just as critical to improving the cure enterprise. An efficient health-care system could free up funding for research and development. And by championing improved technologies such as electronic health records, we can serve the dual purposes of improving existing care programs while supporting the intense data needs of biomedical research. This panel will focus on developing successful models to reduce costs, making better use of data from the health-care system for research purposes, and encouraging biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to focus on the reimbursement pathway well before the product is at the market's doorstep.

Moderator:
Jonathan Slone, Chairman and CEO, CLSA Ltd.

China and India have grabbed so many of the headlines in recent years that it's been easy to overlook the huge potential for growth in the ASEAN countries and the continued significance of Japan and Korea - but no more. Foreign direct investment is up sharply, especially in the six key economies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. South Korea and Japan each made news over the past year, but for entirely different reasons. South Korea's recent signing of a free trade agreement with the U.S. could be a model for other countries in the region, while Japan's export-driven economy slipped to a trade deficit for the first time in decades. As Southeast Asia continues to integrate its markets and remove trade barriers, can ASEAN avoid the pitfalls that eventually caused a crisis in the euro zone and the structural issues facing Japan? Will any of these countries evolve to become one of Asia's true economic pillars? Can they withstand a slowdown in China, as well as reduced demand from Europe and the U.S.?

Moderator:
Chas Edelstein, Co-CEO, Apollo Group Inc.

In multiple areas — from education to health care to infrastructure and beyond — the U.S. needs bold solutions. But government alone cannot afford the massive capital outlays that are required to build projects and programs on such a large scale. Furthermore, government agencies may lack the analytical and technical skills needed for budgeting and managing complex projects — and they may be unwilling to undertake initiatives that take years to complete and decades to pay back. Given these realities, there is a huge role for the private sector to play. By leveraging private-sector capital and expertise, we may be able to tackle some of the nation's most pressing needs. But public-private partnerships are vulnerable to heavy criticism when they fail. What kind of transparency measures, risk-sharing arrangements and safeguards for taxpayers need to be in place? Which roles are best left to government, and which might be better suited to public-private partnerships? What can we learn about best practices from successful PPPs already in operation?

Speaker:
Mitch Jacobs, Co-Chairman, 1 in 3 Leadership Council, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Interviewer:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

Speaker:
Jonathan Greenblatt, Director, White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

Interviewer:
Glenn Yago, Senior Director, Israel Center; Senior Research Fellow; and Founder, Financial Innovations Labs, Milken Institute

Charitable giving has stabilized but continues to fall short of pre-crisis levels. Government resources have diminished, too, and nonprofits struggle to serve their communities. Join the White House Director of Social Innovation and Civic Engagement for a frank discussion of new initiatives that embrace public-private-philanthropic partnerships. These strategies could open up new channels of capital and direct them into solutions for the nation's most pressing social, economic, environmental and health challenges.

Moderator:
Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC

This panel brings together some of the biggest names in private equity to discuss changes within the industry and the outlook for the year ahead. Which sectors and geographies look most promising? Will future emphasis be on emerging markets? What is the current outlook for fundraising? Will institutional investors increase their allocations? How will the industry respond to the heightened scrutiny and criticism raised by the presidential campaign? What will be the impact of increased regulatory oversight under Dodd-Frank?

Moderator:
Rick Newman, Chief Business Correspondent, U.S. News & World Report

The housing market continues to sputter along. What policies and investments could finally bring it back to health? The government's involvement in the housing sector has never been greater, though its various programs to help struggling homeowners have had limited effect. Almost all securitization activity in the housing sector is now being undertaken by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. Can we not only reform the GSEs but also bring private capital back into the market? How has the housing bust affected multifamily development and the rental market? What is the best way to address foreclosures and help homeowners who are underwater?

Moderator:
Stephanie Ruhle, Correspondent, Bloomberg Television

There's no denying it: Americans have lost faith in Washington. They're looking for positive leadership in Congress and are tired of partisan sniping - and our panel is, too. This session brings together a group of strong-willed, opinionated leaders from both right and left to talk about what ails Washington and what can be done to move forward on a bipartisan basis. They'll deliver a message that sorely needs to be heard within the Beltway: The rest of us are waiting for you to start governing and get things done.

Moderator:
Steve Liesman, Senior Economics Reporter, CNBC

The Federal Reserve is pulling all the policy levers it can to kick-start the economy and catalyze job creation. It's launched QEI, QEII and Operation Twist. It's been telling the markets where rates will be for the next two years and submitting white papers to Congress regarding the housing market. Just how effective are these measures? With foreign governments sitting on trillions of U.S. dollar reserves, are there limits to the effectiveness of Fed policy actions? Is the Fed's dual mandate a mandate too many? Does the intended positive effect of near-zero rates compensate for the adverse impact on pensions, households on fixed incomes and global currency stability?

Moderator:
Peter Passell, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Editor, The Milken Institute Review

According to UN projections, world population will cross the 10 billion mark late in this century. Does the planet have the resources to sustain a population of this size without denying billions an acceptable standard of living or doing great damage to the environment? Even if the resources are adequate to the job in theory, are markets and government institutions up to the challenge of preventing periodic food shortages in poor countries and managing the transition from fossil fuels to climate-friendly energy sources? How will megacities evolve to accommodate this kind of density? Experts in energy, agriculture and the environment - not to mention economics - will look down the road.

Moderator:
Lisa Davis, Program Officer, Metropolitan Opportunity, Ford Foundation

Local economies from Michigan to Texas to California are distressed and looking for answers ... answers that will produce growth, access to capital, and jobs, jobs, jobs. Mainstream investors have historically ignored moderate and low-income communities because of the perceived risk. But these markets may offer just the type of opportunity investors are looking for: unmatched potential for growth, new industry development, and modest yet sustainable returns. But what are the best ways to engage the private sector? How can government policies be structured to incentivize capital flows at a scale that will bring real growth? What are the best financial models for community development that will foster entrepreneurship and job creation? Panelists will discuss innovations in public-private partnerships and current trends in community investment, which have the potential to support economic growth while also providing the returns investors seek.

Moderator:
Mark Chiaviello, Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank

For the last decade, Africa's economy has been growing 5 percent every year, easily beating the U.S., Europe, Latin America and the global average. Growth has been driven primarily by precious metals and oil and gas, but other sectors have now emerged, presenting unique opportunities. This session will focus on investment trends in Africa, with an emphasis on three of the fastest-growing sectors: consumer-facing industries, agriculture and infrastructure. Consumer sectors are growing two to three times as fast as those in wealthy countries, and with 60 percent of the world's uncultivated arable land and low crop yields, Africa's agricultural output is expected to double in less than 10 years. To handle its growing population and economy, Africa's infrastructure needs $1 trillion worth of investment in the next 10 years. Experts on each of these areas, and investment in Africa overall, will provide a unique perspective on these potentially high-yielding opportunities.

Moderator:
Raymond Wood, Head, Global Alternative Energy, Credit Suisse

It's becoming much more cost-effective to integrate renewable technologies like solar and wind into utility-scale power generation, but this effort faces very real headwinds. Meanwhile, distributed energy solutions (customer opportunities behind the meter) are gaining significant momentum and are supported by several state utility commissions. This approach relies on smaller mechanisms for power generation near the point of use, reducing reliance on huge networks of transmission lines and the power losses incurred along the way. Smart grid roll-outs, net metering initiatives and the rapidly declining cost of rooftop solar panels have huge potential for commercial and residential uses. But the market is fragmented, with small local businesses vying for a piece of the pie against newly emerging national players. All of these distributed energy solutions compete with bundled utility peak residential tariffs rather than wholesale power prices, so they're becoming increasingly price competitive. Is this emerging distributed energy market here to stay? How will utilities respond? What should the federal government and individual states do to support distributed energy solutions?

Moderator:
Fran Durekas, Founder and Chief Development Officer, CCLC

Look at any successful enterprise: Human capital is the secret weapon that generates creativity, momentum, client loyalty and a dynamic corporate culture that breeds success. Companies must effectively recruit, nurture and manage top leaders, create a culture that engages employees and leads to increased productivity, continue to improve core competencies, and provide attractive work-life benefits that meets the needs of a diverse workforce.

Moderator:
Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners

Speaker:
David Neeleman, Chairman, Founder and CEO, Azul Brazilian Airlines

Interviewer:
Skip Rimer, Executive Director, Programs and Communications, Milken Institute

In this roundtable discussion, the founder of Jet Blue, David Neeleman, will talk about his experiences in creating a new company, Azul Brazilian Airlines, in his native Brazil. In using some of the same techniques that helped make Jet Blue so successful in the U.S., Neeleman has helped transform the transportation industry in Brazil. But his experiences have been much different, and he'll talk about the unique nature of Brazil's culture, economy and government and how they impact his and others' businesses and lives. This is an interactive roundtable discussion, and the audiences is encourged to ask questions - and to hear about Neeleman's and Brazilians' hopes and aspirations for the country.

Moderator:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

It's an age-old debate in the media industry: Is content really king, or do the gatekeepers hold the cards? The question is worth re-examining in an era of disruptive change, when new digital platforms are making content trickier to monetize. How quickly will web video mature into a sustainable business model? Will cable and satellite providers successfully incorporate competitive technologies and delivery systems? Will names like Google, Netflix, Hulu, Apple and Facebook displace the traditional media companies? Will these new players begin developing high-quality content of their own? How will revenue flows to studios, artists, writers and producers change?

Moderator:
Liam Kennedy, Editor, Investments & Pensions Europe

It's nothing but bad press for Europe these days, and many investors have headed for the exits. But does that mean it's actually a moment for contrarians to jump in? Several sectors are continuing to perform well, especially in exports to outside the region. And many companies (and even countries) have seen price distortions in their stocks and debt offerings that could create valuable opportunities. Where are the right places to invest in Europe, and what are the remaining hidden dangers? Which countries are best positioned to buck the trend and maintain positive economic growth? Which sectors are best insulated from the uncertainty?

Moderator:
Alec Ellison, Vice Chairman, Jefferies; Chairman, Technology Investment Banking

This panel will explore the dynamic market segments venture capitalists are currently targeting as well as the health of the VC industry itself. Panelists will address investment trends as well as "competitors" to traditional VCs, such as angel investors. Are VCs earning better risk-adjusted returns than other asset classes? What are some of the new technology plays? Are VCs overinvesting in social media, or are sustainable business models emerging? Will the biomedical field begin to attract more investments? Do clean tech and alternative energy still hold appeal? Are more corporate VCs re-entering the space? Are there more cross-border deals taking place? Where are younger VCs placing their money and time?

Moderator:
James Rubin, Counselor of Competitiveness and International Affairs to Governor Andrew Cuomo

Libya, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan . . . what lessons have been learned, and how will they shape U.S. military decision-making in the years ahead? How deeply will the U.S engage in future conflicts, and how will the international community respond? Military strategy evolves right along with technology, and the conflicts of the last decade have changed the way war is waged. What will the U.S. military look like in the future? Will we still use ground troops? How many conflicts can our forces engage in simultaneously? How will we handle the ethical questions raised by the increasing use of drones, robotics and advanced technologies? Can we continue to justify military spending that vastly outstrips the rest of the world, or is it time to scale back the defense budget strategically? This panel will consider all of these questions - along with the continuing ramifications of modern warfare as more of our veterans return home.

Moderator:
Carole Brookins, Managing Director, Public Capital Advisors, LLC

As the world's population climbs by the billions in the coming decades, so does the imperative of planning for food security. With a limited amount of arable land and looming water shortages, the world still needs to double crop production by 2050. Can we achieve this sustainably? How does climate change affect the equation? Will precision agriculture and crop science develop the solutions and technologies that are needed? Is there a way to answer health and safety concerns regarding genetically modified crops? Will we see greenhouses in the desert, robots in the fields and breakthroughs that can resurrect the soil of depleted land? This panel will look at the intersection of technology and agriculture.

Moderator:
Betsy Zeidman, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Executive Fellow, USC Center for Communication Technology Management

For long-term investors, factors like climate change, supply chain management and the implications of economic inequality increasingly figure in investment decisions. These investors vary in size (from large institutions to small funds to high-net-worth individuals), asset class (from debt to equity to real estate) and approach (from exercising ownership to forging partnerships with government). But they all recognize that investments can produce benefits or costs beyond the targeted financial returns, and that investors and society alike are better off when investment decisions include these multiple factors.

Moderator:
John Seely Brown, Visiting Scholar and Advisor to the Provost, University of Southern California; Independent Co-Chairman, Deloitte Center for the Edge

Rapid globalization and advances in information technology have changed the very nature of innovation. "To innovate or die" has become an unofficial mantra for business in the 21st century. But the new rules of innovation require open and networked models of information exchange, as well as the use of prize-based incentives. Join us for a conversation about how the private sector is adapting to this new paradigm, and how government can facilitate this process by increasing access to and standardization of data.

Moderator:
Peter Comisar, Vice Chairman, Investment Banking, Guggenheim Partners

The e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth and change, with social media usage, mobile technology adoption and the evolving consumer driving innovation at both established and nascent retailers. This panel provides views on the impact and opportunities provided by changes in technology and consumer behavior, from leading multi-channel retailers and emerging online-only leaders.

Moderator:
Norman Brownstein, Founding Member and Chairman, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

The last complete overhaul of the tax code was in 1986. Every day, there are calls for comprehensive tax reform to increase simplicity, competiveness and fairness. While the prospects for fundamental reform will become clearer after the election, its framework is being developed now. Proposals from Congress and the administration would make significant changes to the way private equity and venture capital would be taxed by raising rates and limiting deductions. This panel will discuss proposals on how to tax carried interest and enterprise value, to limit the ability to be taxed as a pass-through, and to limit the deductibility of interest. It will provide insight into the current political landscape in Washington, discuss whether these proposals are good tax policy and analyze their potential impact on private equity, venture capital and real estate.

Moderator:
Sarah Burd-Sharps, Co-Director, Measure of America

When a disaster strikes, resources are mainly directed to emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation and health care. But the medium- and long-term recovery needs of communities are often neglected. While the focus is rightly on saving lives in the short term, the effects of natural and man-made disasters on productivity, economic growth and macroeconomic performance prolong the humanitarian crisis. There has been a great deal of evolution in humanitarian assistance (including an increased share of financing from foundations, corporations and individuals), but international responses can be chaotic. This panel of experts will discuss best practices for more coordinated delivery and management of relief and recovery. They'll also explore the urgent need and cost-saving benefits of investing in capacity-building before disaster strikes.

Speaker:
Rick Newman, Chief Business Correspondent, U.S. News & World Report

Moderator:
Harold Ford Jr., Former Congressman; Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Professor, NYU Wagner School of Public Policy

It's hard to find an era in which hard work and thrift truly assured economic mobility in America. But for much of the nation's history, the myth of mobility served as a substitute for the sort of social protection that underpins European societies. And rapid economic growth (in part a consequence of America's inclination toward laissez-faire government) meant that most hard-working people did prosper. But growth has slowed and wages have stagnated in the last few decades. Meantime, the costs of acquiring marketable skills and the risks of falling out of the middle class due to unemployment, ill health or old age have increased. This panel will discuss whether America has a way - and can muster the will - to rebuild the dream, increasing mobility while offering a more realistic safety net for those who don't make it.

Speaker:
Max Baucus, U.S. Senator and Chairman, Senate Finance Committee

Interviewer:
Bradley Belt, Senior Managing Director, Milken Institute

Moderator:
Zachary Karabell, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; President, River Twice Research

The United States has been the most influential state on the planet for decades, but China's meteoric rise is altering the global balance of power. Lopsided trade and financial flows have complicated the entanglements between the two nations. Can the awkward partnership between the U.S. and China evolve into a better working relationship that can address geopolitical and financial crises? Will the competition for natural resources flare up in the coming decades? How will the long-simmering currency dispute play out? Can other nations enjoy the benefits of Chinese growth without sacrificing long-standing American security assurances? What new international alliances might be built in response? This panel will examine the economic, military and political implications of having two major superpowers on the world stage.

Moderator:
Andrew Miller, Entrepreneur and Founder, Football Nation, LLC

Web 1.0 first connected the world through the Internet. Web 2.0 helped organize the Internet and saw the dawn of social media - and since its advent, there's been an exponential rate of change. Not only has it transformed the way we communicate and do business, but it's generated such a deluge of data that we can hardly make sense of it all. What will Web 3.0 actually look like? Are we ready for whatever business and societal changes it will bring? Will it finally produce the tools we need to process, understand and harness all the data we've been capturing? How will it disrupt business models? Join us for a look at the future of the Web.

Moderator:
Brian Sullivan, Anchor, CNBC

The world's appetite for energy is on the rise - and it will increase even more sharply as emerging nations continue to develop. The United States is increasing its energy production and reducing its energy imports. Meantime, demand from China and continued volatility in the Middle East are sending the price of oil ever higher. How will the world energy market change in the next few years? Will the balance between fossil fuels and renewables change in any meaningful way? Can we provide vast populations in the developing world with electricity? How will we handle the challenge while preserving the environment? This panel will explore the world's energy future.

Moderator:
James Cuno, President and CEO, J. Paul Getty Trust

Los Angeles has become the nerve center of the art world, transforming the community and attracting artists, collectors and patrons from around the world. For serious and purposeful collectors in this and every global art market, the pursuit of important artworks is about personal growth, fascinating relationships and windows on previously unseen worlds. Our speakers are globally recognized representatives of the Los Angeles art world - each with a unique perspective, each with particular objectives and all dedicated to maximizing the societal benefits and expanding access to this wonderful world. For experienced collectors, those just beginning and those just considering, this session is a can't-miss opportunity to learn what's happening in one of the art world's most vital centers - and to join us on a remarkable visual journey.

Moderator:
Doug Mangini, Head of Intermediary Distribution, Guggenheim Partners

Investors today, compared to even just 10 years ago, have a multitude of investing choices. Similarly, options for managing risk in their portfolios have evolved dramatically. Traditional measures of portfolio volatility are now being expanded to include considerations for "draw-downs" and "liquidity." It's not just about beating a market index anymore. Seen through the prism of a variety of professional investing perspectives, this panel will examine how these views have changed, why asset allocation plays its role, and how definitions and approaches to risk management have transformed based on risk tolerance and the availability of different investing vehicles.

Moderator:
Jeffrey Gedmin, President and CEO, Legatum Institute

The aid-versus-investment debate has been retired: It's clear they're complementary strategies for lifting up the poorest regions of the world. When aid improves basic health and infrastructure, school enrollment and worker productivity soar, setting the stage for developing nations to attract foreign investment and launch a virtuous cycle of growth. But with Western governments gripped by deficit fears, can NGOs make the case for protecting foreign aid from budget cuts? Can public-private partnerships bridge the gap and help sustainable economic growth take root? This panel will explore what's working in global development, including new models for governments, NGOs, investors and multinational companies to collaborate more effectively.

Moderator:
Wendy Selig, President and CEO, Melanoma Research Alliance

As many as two-thirds of cancer cases are linked to environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, tobacco, infectious agents and chemicals. Many of these can be avoided through lifestyle change, but this isn't the whole story. The environment interacts with our genomes, and the resulting genetic changes ultimately cause cancer. Cancer prevention will only be successful when individual behavior is combined with early medical intervention. What are some successful models, and what are the roadblocks to changing behavior? What are the exciting avenues of research towards cancer prevention agents, and what is the economic and regulatory environment for their development? What do we know about the genetic basis of risk, and how will this be applied for early intervention? Cancer screening has the potential for preventing some cancers, but there have been some controversies about benefits and risks. What are the challenges for population-based screening recommendations?

Moderator:
Elanna Yalow, CEO, Knowledge Universe Early Learning Programs

The most effective investments in human capital are those made at the earliest ages, as the work of Nobel laureate James Heckman has demonstrated. Maybe that's why, despite tight federal and state budgets, the Obama administration and a growing number of governors have put a high priority on investing scarce taxpayer dollars in early childhood education initiatives that feature student-readiness assessments and can demonstrate quality outcomes. At the same time, a growing number of philanthropists and foundations are renewing their focus on boosting grade-level proficiency in reading by the third grade, an effort that best begins in early childhood. This panel will examine federal, state, philanthropic and business initiatives designed to raise the bar on early childcare education.

Moderator:
Gillian Tett, U.S. Managing Editor, Financial Times

Can the United States live within its means while still investing in the future? Does it make sense to focus on deficit reduction right now, especially with the government's borrowing costs at historic lows? Or do we need further stimulus to jumpstart job growth? With aging roads and bridges falling into disrepair, how much longer can we postpone large-scale infrastructure projects? How will we continue to invest in education and innovation? Is there a responsible way to cut the defense budget? Is it time to shift the conversation from cutting the budget to raising revenues? This panel will examine whether it's possible to take a balanced approach to deficit reduction that won't harm our prospects for future growth.

Moderator:
Francesco Guerrera, Editor, Money & Investing, Wall Street Journal

The equity markets have risen considerably since their recent lows. It appears that investor confidence may be returning. But what's changed? Are investors thinking differently about markets? What are the new asset classes? Where is the alpha going to be found? How has the scarcity of liquidity impacted performance — and how can that be overcome? Can long-term investing still generate performance? A group of leading investors will discuss the new face of equities trading — and whether or not the rise in equity markets is too good to be true.

Interviewer:
Angella Nazarian, Author, "Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World"

Angella Nazarian, author of "Pioneers of the Possible," sits down for an intimate conversation with extraordinary women who are pioneering new paths in philanthropy and humanitarian assistance.

Speaker:
James Rickards, Author, "Currency Wars"; Partner, JAC Capital

Speaker:
Angella Nazarian, Author, "Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World"

Moderator:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Borrowing costs for corporations worldwide are approaching record lows. How long can this continue? Quantitative easing and long-term refinancing operations have averted the fear of business failures. Nevertheless, does the slow recovery in the developed world and the potential for related decreases in developing market growth rates mean we'll face an even higher wall of debt maturities in the future? Beyond the current wave of refinancing, will companies have trouble getting new loans, spurring further defaults and bankruptcies? What is the relation between sovereign debt and corporate debt challenges? Will the growing need for government refinancing ultimately overload debt markets?

Moderator:
Paul Kedrosky, Contributing Editor, Bloomberg; Partner, Omensetter Capital and SK Ventures

With Congress mired in gridlock, waiting for federal aid to arrive from Washington is a losing proposition. What can state and local officials do to seize the initiative and jumpstart their economies? Balanced-budget requirements don't leave much room to maneuver in many cases - but some locations are trying creative strategies to spark economic growth. What are the best approaches for supporting the entrepreneurs and small businesses that typically generate new jobs, industries and technologies? This panel will explore what states can do to steer their own economic destinies.

Moderator:
Richard Ditizio, Executive Director, Program Development, Milken Institute

There are many engaged and effective philanthropists working on causes around the globe - but a select few have truly reshaped regions and systems in a dramatic fashion. Each member of our panel is making a real difference in the world by thinking big and embracing risk. Join us for an inspirational session about applying innovation to the world of philanthropy.

Moderator:
Joel Kurtzman, Senior Fellow and Executive Director of the Center for Accelerating Energy Solutions, Milken Institute

In less than a decade, the world's energy equation has changed. Rather than running out of fuel, the United States and other countries have found vast deposits of natural gas in shale. New technologies have enabled companies to exploit these reserves cheaply and quickly, offering the promise of transforming energy portfolios. But this extraction technology carries risks; environmentalists remain skeptical of fracking techniques and its potential effects on drinking water. Meantime, natural gas prices have crashed to 10-year lows, causing many producers to cut back. How will the market evolve from the current oversupply? This panel aims to uncover the future of natural gas and its potential impact on the economy and the environment.

Moderator:
Komal Sri-Kumar , Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Group Managing Director and Chief Global Strategist, TCW Group Inc.

Monetary easing is the big focus on both sides of the Atlantic. Two recent repurchase programs by the ECB have eased liquidity concerns in the European banking system, but have they improved the situation with respect to overall financial solvency? Will such massive quantitative easing by the Fed and ECB make it more difficult to eventually reverse policy? What will be the implications two or three years down the road? Money creation in developed countries has boosted inflationary pressures in emerging economies. Brazil's finance minister has alleged that the Fed's easing is just a means to debase the dollar, while the country's president slammed the ECB's moves as "artificial forms of protectionism." How can developing nations protect themselves? Will currency spats flare up into full-fledged trade wars?

Moderator:
James Glassman, Founding Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute

The mere mention of Pakistan conjures up headlines about terrorist attacks, militant groups and airstrikes. But beneath the turmoil lies a country with enormous assets, from vast natural resources to an enviable location that should facilitate trade with both India and China. Yet democracy is struggling to take root, and the economy is stunted due to limited bank lending and perpetual power shortages. The military remains Pakistan's dominant institution, often dictating foreign policy, protecting business interests and intimidating the press from behind the scenes. Can civil society begin to take the lead in building a more equitable and prosperous society? What kind of government, fiscal, regulatory and societal reforms need to happen first? How can foreign governments and multilateral organizations help with institution building?

Moderator:
Susan Wolford, Managing Director and Group Head, Business and Educational Services, BMO Capital Markets Corp.

As emerging markets capture a greater portion of the world's wealth, the quality and availability of education is also changing in those growing economies. Increasingly, nations are beginning to understand the value of Western education approaches and are seeking out expertise as they scale up all levels of education from early childhood to primary, secondary and universities. While some companies have successfully targeted ex-pat communities, the biggest opportunities lie in educating not only wealthy nationals but also the rapidly rising number of middle- and lower-middle class families. Companies targeting these markets face such challenges as learning customs and business regulations in different countries, developing the acumen to create local partnerships, and finding strategies to scale up multisite, multinational operations. Which nations are most welcoming? Is the time right to invest in education?

Moderator:
James Barth, Senior Finance Fellow, Milken Institute; Lowder Eminent Scholar in Finance, Auburn University

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, countries around the world have taken varied approaches to the task of reforming their regulatory systems. In the U.S., Dodd-Frank is still not fully implemented; its ultimate impact on banks and the availability of credit remains to be seen. Meantime, on a global level, the higher capital requirements of Basel III are being phased in, but there is still a lack of full coordination regarding the regulation and, if needed, resolution of big banks that operate in multiple countries. This panel will explore the most urgent regulatory issues of the day, including lessons to be learned from countries (such as Canada) that didn't experience disruptions in their financial systems and whether the too-big-to-fail-problem has been adequately addressed. Moreover, do we need a pan-global regulatory authority? Is there a better way to regulate so that small businesses worldwide have better access to credit? Most fundamentally, why have financial crises increased in number and severity over time worldwide? Are Dodd-Frank and Basel III enough to reverse this trend?

Moderator:
Alma Gadot-Perez, Director General, Milken Institute Israel Center

Eco-innovation is an approach to promoting sustainable growth while overcoming scarcity in fuel, food and water. Touching on policies, processes and products alike, we will present a series of potentially disruptive eco-innovations in energy, industry, agriculture and transportation. In Israel, the Milken Institute has been involved in a series of Financial Innovations Labs and policy developments including an oil-free initiative, natural gas development, a greenhouse gas reduction program, solar energy tariffs, and water and agrotech initiatives - all of which can have international applications. This panel will host a number of technology and policy thought leaders at the forefront of eco-innovation breakthroughs.

Speaker:
Eli Broad, Founder, The Broad Foundations; Founder, KB Home and SunAmerica

Speaker:
T. Boone Pickens, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist; Founder, BP Capital

Interviewer:
Brian Sullivan, Anchor, CNBC

Moderator:
Jessica Yellin, Chief White House Correspondent, CNN

Our annual political dinner brings together a panel of senior policymakers to discuss what's really at stake for America's future. It's time to get serious about issues like entitlement spending, health care, the deficit and job creation. Is there any hope for ending Washington's gridlock? Can either party afford to compromise while keeping its base on board in a general election year? Our panel will analyze America's most pressing challenges - and whether we can get government working again.

With abundant reserves of natural gas, better technologies for producing biofuels, and solar prices coming down, the U.S. is on the verge of a new energy era. And yet financing for the transition to this new era is lacking, especially on the debt side. What policies need to be adopted to hasten the transformation of the U.S. into the energy powerhouse it can now become? This private breakfast will feature discussion of regulatory and investment trends across the industry, as well as an update on the coming year's agenda for the Center for Accelerating Energy Solutions.

Moderator:
Alexander Friedman, Chief Investment Officer, UBS AG

U.S. equity markets are riding high. Will the bulls continue to run, or are we overdue for a market correction? Are small retail investors ever going to summon up the confidence to dive back into the market? Will Europe's struggles cast a shadow over global markets? Which multinationals are heavily dependent on Europe, and which are insulated? Which emerging economies will prove to have real momentum, and which will encounter slowdowns? Which sectors look most promising? How will the bond market fare with interest rates remaining at rock-bottom levels? This panel of opinion makers will offer their fearless forecasts of where the markets are headed in the year ahead.

Moderator:
Ghanem Nuseibeh, Founder, Cornerstone Global Associates; Senior Visiting Fellow, King's College, London

The Arab Spring saw a wave of revolution launched by educated young professionals who are unemployed and underemployed. A year later, their demands are still simmering: According to the World Bank, economic growth will have to accelerate dramatically to bridge the demand for jobs across the Middle East. This requires doubling the annual net growth rate of job creation, increasing labor force participation and insuring growth reaches more labor-intensive industries even as technology is adopted to increase productivity. Unless governments can provide a vision and summon the resources to create broader opportunity, the unrest is likely to continue. This panel will gather local and international entrepreneurs, multinational executives and investors for a practical discussion on mobilizing education, training and entrepreneurial finance platforms to support large-scale business formation and job creation across the Middle East.

Moderator:
Derek Thompson, Senior Editor, Business, The Atlantic

Austerity measures are being implemented across the nation and around the world, but finding ways to reinvigorate economic growth - high-quality economic growth - needs to be at the top of the policy agenda. How can policymakers stitch together the various elements needed to create a vibrant, innovation-driven economy? It starts with human capital development (both homegrown and foreign-born) and R&D investment. Those priorities have to be combined with the right tax environment, ease of access to early-stage risk capital, the ability to commercialize university and lab research, and a business-friendly ecosystem. What are the best policies for promoting innovation, firm growth and broad-based economic expansion? Which nations have put best practices into action?

Moderator:
Joel Kurtzman, Senior Fellow and Executive Director of the Center for Accelerating Energy Solutions, Milken Institute

The world's energy options, once composed of a narrow menu of fuels, have gotten wider. Biofuels have come into their own in Brazil, via sugarcane ethanol, while the United States has become the world's largest ethanol producer using corn. New techniques are also maturing, such as cellulosic ethanol. What role will biofuels play in the future? Can this industry scale up? Will private investors provide enough capital and momentum?

Moderator:
Steven Drobny, Partner, Drobny Global Asset Management

In an era characterized by increased market correlations and economic uncertainty, institutional investors are looking beyond the retail investor staples of stocks, bonds and cash. Enter the world of alternative investments: REITs, hedge funds, managed futures, private equity, venture capital and limited partnerships. It's a world with growing appeal in this era of slow growth and low yield. This panel of experienced investors will share their macro views along with their fundamental outlook to identify the next great opportunities across the public equity, credit, real assets and alternatives landscape.

Moderator:
Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President, Milken Family Foundation; Partner, Law Offices of Maron & Sandler

Fifty years ago, the Internet would have sounded like science fiction. Today it's not only a staple of daily life - but it's enabled the rate of innovation to accelerate beyond our wildest dreams. What amazing breakthroughs are currently being cooked up in R&D labs? Join us for some sneak previews and live demonstrations that are sure to leave you buzzing.

Moderator:
Joel Kurtzman, Senior Fellow and Executive Director of the Center for Accelerating Energy Solutions, Milken Institute

At least we live in interesting times. Europe's future - and the fate of the euro - remains under a cloud, with unknown ramifications for the rest of the world economy. China, which has enjoyed white-hot growth rates, now appears to be slowing down. The war in Iraq has wound down, but that country's future is far from certain. Meanwhile, trouble continues to boil over in Afghanistan, while Pakistan and Iran are dangerous wild cards. This panel will scan the horizon to analyze global trouble spots and predict how events will play out.

Moderator:
Justin Fox, Editorial Director, Harvard Business Review Group

The recent bursting of the housing bubble has caused America to take a hard look at its love affair with the suburbs. Very few suburbs can function without the core of economic activity, infrastructure and cultural activity that cities provide. Is it finally time to rethink the development model of the post-World War II era? Can we reduce traffic and oil consumption by investing in public transit and better integrating it into the way we plan communities? Does the future lie with urban infill? Can we make cities more sustainable? Is there a way to preserve and retrofit, or do we need to be more willing to bulldoze and start anew? And how can we afford these changes?

Moderator:
Aaron Task, Host, Daily Ticker, Yahoo Finance

Lost in the controversy surrounding national health-care reform is the fact that it's opened up new investment opportunities. Health-care providers, payors and the government are operating in a complex environment in which new participants will emerge, models will be reinvented, entrepreneurial opportunities will crop up, capital will be deployed and new business leaders will emerge. Amid these changing dynamics are ample value-creating possibilities for those who position themselves on the right side of the equation. Investment potential abounds in a range of sectors, including providers, managed care services, wellness and disease management, diagnostic technology and services, devices, IT services, staffing, and other companies serving the health-care sector. Our panel brings together thought leaders and stakeholders from various spheres of influence in the health-care community to explore how this transformation will evolve.

Moderator:
Barbara Fairchild, Editor, Real Eats; former Editor-In-Chief, Bon Appetit

The restaurant business isn't for the faint of heart: It's estimated that 27 percent of restaurant startups fail in their first year; after three years, half have shuttered their doors. But for chefs and restaurateurs, it's not just about the balance sheet. The very best are driven by a passion for great food and the desire to create a memorable experience for the customer. Today our obsessive foodie culture celebrates chefs like never before - and despite the business risks, the opportunities for turning culinary talent into a national brand have never been greater. How can big-name chefs run multiple locations, write cookbooks and make TV appearances without losing the personal touch and attention to detail that created their success in the first place? How are social media and non-stop cable cooking shows changing the game? Is the movement toward organic ingredients and sustainable sourcing here to stay? What are the trends to watch?

Moderator:
Kevin Klowden, Director, California Center, and Managing Economist, Milken Institute

As technology continues to evolve, it's changing the way filmmakers tell stories. Instead of simply building a better alien through prosthetics and makeup, they can conjure up a digital version limited only by imagination. Computer-generated realities are no longer just the province of science fiction and fantasy. They're the stuff of crime dramas and talking dogs in 30-second commercial spots. The experts on this panel will look at not only how things are accomplished today, but also where the industry is headed in the future.

Moderator:
Steve Fireng, President and CEO, EmbanetCompass

America's institutions of higher education have always been essential drivers of regional economic growth, incubators of technology and medical research, and nurturers of the world's most valuable resource - human capital. Yet state legislatures are slashing funding for public institutions. Even President Obama, while proposing an expansion of student aid, has suggested that publicly supported colleges and universities must demonstrate their efficiency and cannot continue to "jack up tuition every single year." He insisted further that "Higher education is not a luxury. It is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford." How can colleges and universities continue to deliver the best education in an era of shrinking budgets? What are the factors driving the rise in expenses? Are university curricula meeting the needs of the 21st-century career? How can universities continue to play a role in driving regional growth?

Moderator:
Tom Corcoran, President, Imperial Capital

In light of new capital requirements under Basel 3 that will be phased in over the next few years, banks around the world are under pressure to raise capital, shrink in size and scope, and strengthen their balance sheets. European banks, in particular, are scrambling to improve capital ratios as regulators seek to contain the fallout from the sovereign debt crisis and the recession. What are the most compelling values for investors in this period of global banking realignment? Where are the best bank assets to be found? Are banks ready to deal? Who are the players? What are the risks? How are the the deals being structured and financed? Our panel of experts will address these and other questions about investment opportunities being realized in the current banking environment.

Speaker:
Nouriel Roubini, Chairman and Co-Founder, Roubini Global Economics; Professor of Economics and International Business, Stern School of Business, New York University

Interviewer:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

One of the world's most influential economists, Nouriel Roubini will sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about his outlook for the year ahead - and, of course, the downside risks to watch. It seems the U.S. economy has turned the corner, but he believes austerity is deepening Europe's woes and China could be in for a hard landing. With plenty of fast and furious commentary, Roubini will offer his take on where the global economy is headed.

Moderator:
Jim Gray, Sportscaster, Showtime, Sacramento Kings and Westwood One Radio

Albert Pujols just landed a 10-year, $240 million deal. Companies shelled out an average of $3.5 million for 30-second commercial spots during the Super Bowl. Kobe Bryant brought down $53 million in just 12 months, according to Forbes. And the sports world was just electrified as the Dodgers franchise sold for a cool $2 billion. Those dizzying figures are just a small slice of the pie, which encompasses everything from ticket sales to Tebow jerseys, from SportsCenter to Olympic sponsorships. In this age of fragmented audiences, major sporting events still manage to garner gigantic viewership numbers. This panel will bring together some of the biggest names on the business side of sports to discuss new opportunities, marketing strategies and the delicate balancing act between staying competitive but not overspending.

Speaker:
Randall Stephenson, Chairman and CEO, AT&T Inc.

Interviewer:
Justin Fox, Editorial Director, Harvard Business Review Group

Randall Stephenson got his first job with a Southwestern Bell office in Oklahoma. Three decades later, as chairman and CEO of AT&T, he has help lead the mobile Internet revolution, driving dramatic growth and enabling a high-tech ecosystem of device-makers, app developers and content creators. What's next on the horizon? What are the implications for video in an age of tablets with high-speed access to content in the cloud? How will the mobile Internet's next incarnation change business models? What kind of impact will it have on fields like health care and education? How will this sector continue to shape the nation's economy and U.S. competitiveness? Join us as one of the industry's most powerful CEOs sits down for a candid one-on-one conversation.

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

Echoes of the baby boom will reverberate for decades to come. Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide are age 50+, including more than 98 million Americans. We're just starting to grasp the policy implications of this powerful demographic shift, but what about the opportunities? Marketers have traditionally targeted a younger demographic, but all that could be about to change, given the spending power of boomer consumers. New products, services and markets are emerging to address the needs and aspirations of this population segment. What industries are geared to mature consumers? What businesses are poised for growth? What wants and needs has the market failed to fully understand? This panel of thought leaders will articulate a vision for the future that holds great promise for today's and tomorrow's mature adults - and for those savvy enough to appreciate the opportunity they represent.

Moderator:
Frank Mottek, Business News Anchor, CBS KNX 1070 Los Angeles

After years of watching its manufacturing base erode, the United States is starting to see conditions shift. With wages increasing overseas, energy and shipping prices on the rise, and global supply chains facing increased uncertainty, domestic production is starting to seem like a more favorable option to many firms. But there's no denying that other countries continue to offer more a "business-friendly" environment for manufacturing, even throwing in lucrative incentives that outweigh potential disadvantages. This panel will focus on the factors that could reverse the exodus of U.S. manufacturing. Experts will examine why the U.S. lost manufacturing in the first place, what it can do to retain production and which types of products we should manufacture. Which policies will not only help promote industry retention but also bring back some of the jobs we've lost? Why does manufacturing matter so profoundly for the U.S. - not only in terms of job creation but also for its ability to innovate?

Moderator:
Marc Goodman, Founder, Future Crimes Institute; Global Security Advisor and Chair for Policy, Law & Ethics, Singularity University

President Obama has called attacks on U.S. computer networks "one of the most serious economic and national security threats our nation faces." The FBI's director recently warned IT professionals to be on the alert for organized cybercriminals, rogue hacktivists and breaches by foreign governments. Hackers have infiltrated banks, credit card companies, major retailers and defense contractors, pilfering consumer data and intellectual property. New measures to enhance cybersecurity are making their way through Congress, but will proposed federal standards really keep us one step ahead of the hackers? Can law enforcement handle a shadowy, constantly morphing enemy on the Internet - without further eroding privacy protections? How should governments, private firms and individuals respond to the threats?

Moderator:
Jared Carney, Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute; Acting Director, Milken Institute Asia Center

International firms are racing to tap into the lucrative Chinese market - but it pays to look before you leap. Just ask Apple: Last year China was its fastest-growing region, but the company has faced intellectual property disputes over the iPad and accusations of poor working conditions at factories run by its Chinese suppliers. China ranks 91st among nations in the World Bank's ease of doing business index. This panel will discuss the practicalities and pitfalls of the world's largest market, including finding the right local partner, hiring the right workforce and marketing to Chinese consumers. Which multinational firms are already out front in terms of establishing a presence and capturing market share? What do businesses need to know about Chinese business culture, contractual agreements and bureaucracy?

Moderator:
Scott Minerd, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Partners

Is the Arctic the last emerging market? The retreat of the polar ice cap will make the region's vast natural resources far more accessible and make the Northwest Passage a viable shipping lane. The prospects for the oil and gas, fishing, mining and shipping industries appear vast, but the question of who owns what in the Arctic is far from clear. What economic opportunities will be revealed by this northern exposure? What geopolitical, security and environmental challenges are posed to the countries bordering the Arctic? What can those governments — from the U.S. and Canada to Russia and Norway — do to encourage economic development and develop the skilled workforce necessary to take advantage of the boom?

Speaker:
Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, City View; former Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; former San Antonio Mayor

Speaker:
Richard Sandor, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute; Chairman and CEO, Environmental Financial Products

Moderator:
Christopher Ailman, Chief Investment Officer, California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS)

We've heard a dozen times that we've turned the corner on the European debt crisis. Can we believe it this time? Has the European Central Bank made all the right moves to avoid a major credit crunch? Will Portugal or Ireland need to undergo a Greek-style debt restructuring? In the meantime, the impact of austerity is becoming clear as several European economies slip into recession. Which European nations and sectors are best positioned to ride things out? Will high unemployment lead to more social and political unrest across the continent? Just how deep will the downturn be, and how will it affect the recovery under way in the rest of the world? This panel of experts will examine the latest developments, how recent events have weakened the ties that bind the euro zone, and how European policymakers can address the fundamentals to restore growth.

Speaker:
Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman, Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp.

Interviewer:
Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute

Speaker:
President Bill Clinton,

Appearing before a packed and buzzing ballroom, President Bill Clinton walked onstage to a standing ovation.

His appearance immediately followed a panel discussion on the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, and the former president slid easily into the topic, recalling his discussions with European officials when the monetary union was first formed. You're letting in all these poor countries, Clinton told them. It'll be a nice club like NATO and everyone will want to join. And indeed, it worked fine when things were growing, but even back in the 1990s, Clinton was warning that the euro zone needed to have an exit strategy in place.

Today, with the periphery nations hamstrung by their inability to devalue their currencies to return to growth, "this prescription of austerity continues to be pushed despite all the evidence that it won't work" in countries with no demand and virtually zero interest rates. "You can't get blood out of a turnip," he quipped.

Resorting to budget cuts or tax hikes alone won't work, he insisted. What Europe sorely needs is a real five- to 10-year growth strategy that will produce jobs.

In all the advanced economies - not just Europe but also the United States and Japan - he urged policymakers to ask similar questions. What investments produce the greatest number of jobs? And what role can NGOs play?

Clinton urged the audience to take a global view. "No American should want Brazil or China or India to fail. We have a common future."

He described the work he has undertaken in the poorest nations around the world, from South Asia to Latin America. Here in the United States, we have faith that the lights won't go out, the air conditioning is on and the water is safe to drink. But much of the world can't take that kind of infrastructure for granted. "Intelligence and effort are evenly distributed throughout the world," Clinton said. But opportunity and systems are not. While many of those in audience achieved success through their own abilities and persistence, he said, "along the way someone helped you." In advanced economies, we are blessed to have sophisticated institutions in place, "but they get long in the tooth. They become run by people who are more interested in holding on to present gains rather than building a brighter future." Now the task has to be reinventing and revitalizing those systems.

We have complex, highly interconnected problems, said Clinton, and there are no perfect solutions. But to achieve progress, we have to have a more respectful, mature debate that focuses on real substance. The United States is entering an election season in which "70 percent of what we hear won't make a lick of sense about what we can do to move forward."

He doesn't see the problem as simply a fault line between conservatives and liberals. The division that troubles him, he said, is the gulf between communitarians and separatists, who see any attempt to implement change as a government conspiracy to take things away from them. We ought to be fighting for common prosperity and solutions, he said, pointing to what creative networks of collaboration are able to achieve in technology and medical science.

However deep the partisan divide may seem, Clinton said, "it would be a great mistake to write the epitaph of this country. We just have to get out of denial and get back into the future business."

Moderator:
Glenn Yago, Senior Director, Israel Center; Senior Research Fellow; and Founder, Financial Innovations Labs, Milken Institute

"Financial innovation" has taken on a derogatory meaning in recent years. But even as we look at how to use inventive tools and instruments more safely and responsibly, it's important not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. This panel brings together a group of pioneers in finance: leading experts who designed instruments and markets that have brought impressive benefits to society. They'll gather for a candid discussion about the future of the field, including a look at specific industries and social issues that need financial solutions to drive progress.

Moderator:
John Gapper, Associate Editor and Chief Business Commentator, Financial Times

Smart logistics systems are more vital to the bottom line than ever before, whether you're an international manufacturer or a small online retailer. Today the entire global economy depends on the ease of international trade. Companies looking to establish technology centers, warehousing and distribution bases, and points of collaboration are increasingly willing to compare the advantages of operating out of Hong Kong vs. Singapore, Vancouver vs. Los Angeles, Amsterdam vs. Hamburg. For regions to realize their growth potential, it is crucial to provide the infrastructure - from rail lines to container ports - that streamlines commerce. The most modern and efficient airport hubs, in particular, are attracting clusters of firms and vendors. This panel will explore factors such as new technologies, rising fuel prices, expanded shipping routes and free trade deals.

Moderator:
Ken Rutkowski, CEO and Founder, METal International

Online multiplayer gaming proves that a currency doesn't have to exist in coins and printed bills to have value to millions of users. Some of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, from the United States to China, increasingly see not only massive generation of virtual wealth, but efforts to exchange real money for virtual currency and virtual products. This panel will examine how the virtual economy is shaping not only spending habits but also efforts to create alternative means of commerce such as Bitcoin.

Moderator:
Margaret Anderson, Executive Director, FasterCures / The Center for Accelerating Medical Solutions

Now that we've successfully decoded the human genome, how will we use that knowledge going forward? This session will explore the impact of genes on health and disease; our capacity to detect and act on clinically significant genomic information; the relevance of genetics to personalized medicine, genomics and public health; industry developments; and the relationships between genetic information and personal choice. Panelists will unravel the mysteries of the human genome and practical ways to use this information.

Moderator:
Judy Olian, Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management, UCLA Anderson School of Management

California once led the nation in international trade, but over the past decade, Texas grabbed that mantle. The Golden State's overall growth in exports dramatically lags behind the national average despite its enviable position on the edge of the Pacific Rim. In what areas does California still retain its lead? What can be done to improve competitiveness? What best practices should the state borrow from both inside the U.S. and abroad? What kind of role can state government play, especially in helping small businesses tap new foreign markets?

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

With fresh thinking and an unlimited supply of creativity, a new generation of social entrepreneurs stands ready to harness the power of the marketplace to solve societal challenges. The 2012 International Impact Investing Challenge was a showcase for rising stars in this field. Students from leading business schools were invited to design investment vehicles that create sustainable impact, with the size and scope to interest institutional investors. This session will present the winning concept - and leave you feeling inspired about what the best and brightest young minds in finance can accomplish.

Moderator:
Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners

"When everyone's special, then no one is." This line from "The Incredibles" was about superheroes, but does it apply to the entertainment industry as a whole, too? Almost anyone can create a video, upload it to YouTube and draw thousands - or even millions - of hits. GarageBand lets musicians create inexpensive yet polished MP3s to distribute to fans. And who needs a manager when there's social media? In short, what is content really worth when everyone can produce it? This panel takes a look at the future of the entertainment industry from 30,000 feet. It's increasingly risky to set out to produce a blockbuster; does niche programming represent the future in this age of fragmented audiences? Are remakes and sequels making audiences jaded, or do they prefer to spend precious entertainment dollars on known quantities? If consumers are watching on the biggest screens and the smallest handhelds, does the content differ based on the device? What will the new business model look like?

Moderator:
Glenn Yago, Senior Director, Israel Center; Senior Research Fellow; and Founder, Financial Innovations Labs, Milken Institute

Israel produced better risk-adjusted returns than all other developed stock markets in the past decade as its technology-driven economy attracted global investors. But growth has been inadequate and unequally shared within Israel, resulting in high levels of income and wealth inequality. The Israeli paradox is that despite strong GDP growth, the growth rate in GDP per capita has lagged. In a country where social cohesion is requisite for survival, this paradox drew focused attention with peaceful protests last summer; government commissions have been attempting to address issues ranging from the price of cottage cheese to corporate pyramids and economic concentration. Policy discussions are now focused on opportunities to bridge these gaps within Israel and attempt to match the fastest-growing emerging economies. The Israeli paradox represents a case study for emerging and frontier markets in how to accelerate growth while expanding economic inclusion and achieving sustainability.

In the 1980s, foreign capital from Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada flowed into the Golden State. In the 1990s, the dot-com bubble attracted significant amounts of investment as everyone tried to grab a piece of the coming IT revolution. But today the picture is murkier: Facebook, LinkedIn and other companies have launched successful IPOs, but California doesn't have its former dominant hold over venture capital investment now that many VC firms are looking overseas for new opportunities. Meantime, many California-based companies are investing to expand outside the state. How can we make the state more attractive to outside investors? How can California build on its historic advantages: its strong entrepreneurial environment, robust venture capital community, globally renowned research universities, and leading export industries such as technology, entertainment and agriculture?